Electricity and Magnetism > Resistance
DCS# 5D20.62?

CONDUCTION IN SEMICONDUCTORS



APPARATUS
silicon wafer
202-16-D-1
butane burner and striker
202-11-B
6 V battery
202-02-D1
LED 202-21-F5
multimeter
214-01-B
brick
202-04-E
gloves
013B-02-A
safety glasses
013B-02-B
test tube tongs
101-01-F1


DESCRIPTION
With the battery connected across the semiconductor wafer, LED, and ammeter in series, the room-temperature silicon does not conduct and the LED does not light.  Heat the silicon with the butane burner over its entire area until it is almost red hot and the LED will light.

NOTES

The test tube tongs are used to hold the wafer without the risk of breaking it.